Mexican Riviera

'Thinking of doing the Riviera in the fall out of L.A. It looks like October & November are ideal times. My preference at the moment seems to be Royal Caribbean. Can anyone offer any suggestions? What about the shore excursions. Thanx.

[Nanatravel]

We too are looking at this Itinerary and the ships that are sailing. We are concentrating on the last week of October first week in November. That is the end of the rainy season on the West Coast and a lower hurricane season. The Carnival Pride is a beautiful ship, the RCI Vision of the Seas is great too. Friends are booked on the Statendam from Holland America. Celebrity's Mercury has a unique itinerary with Catalina island and Monterey. I should be getting some prices today as I keep missing my TA's calls.
Bon Voyage

Thanks for the tip on the Rainy Season. I'm currently looking at the Vision at the end of November.

I really appreciate all the help I've been getting on these boards.

[Cruiseguy]

My wife and I are doing the Vision on Oct. 19. We have done the Riviera on Carnival twice (both times in late Sept), all I can say is hot-hot-hot. We did the Sea of Cortez twice on Hal. I don't remember the first date but it was their first sailing in this region, our second was right after a hurricane (missed Cabo because of the damage) but the weather was great. So far we have loved this whole idea of cruising Mexico. Incidently, the Vision of the Seas is beautiful, been on her twice so far. Seems a lot classier then Carnival. The decor is more subdued and and laid back instead of in your face Vegas Glitzy.Whenever and whoever you go with, your going to have a great time.

[AKcruiser]

The Carnival Pride is a beautiful ship..not the old glitzy Carnival type. Give this beautiful ship a try you'll love her. Out of 7 CArnival cruises she is our favorite.

AKcruiser

[Harry Martin]

I agree with AK, and also have been on the Vision.

For excursions, we usually do the glass bottom boat ride to Los Arcos in Cabo ($12 at the pier). In Mazatlan, we normally take the excursions out of the city (our least favorite port). The colonial town tour is very nice. We also did a city tour last time ($13 at the pier through Marlin Tours). Puerto Vallarta is a great walk-around town. Check out the Rio Cuale and then lunch on the Malecon. Van to town is $4 for 2 and cab ride back is about $5.

Hope that helps.

Harry